Darragh Lenihan admits last season’s defensive record is spurring Rovers on after chalking up a fourth clean sheet in five games.

Rovers moved in to the top half of the Championship with a 2-0 home win over Millwall courtesy of goals from Derrick Williams and Bradley Dack.

Having conceded 69 goals in 46 matches last season, Rovers have been more assured at the back this term and made it three consecutive home shut-outs against the Lions.

The defensive record attracted plenty of criticism last season, not least from manager Tony Mowbray.

“You pride yourself as a defender in getting clean sheets, much like strikers want to get the goals,” Lenihan said.

“We just need to keep working hard each and every day and try our best to get as many clean sheets as we can right through to the end of the season.”

“The manager has mentioned the record of goals conceded last season and said we have to do better. We’re striving to get as many clean sheets as we possibly can.

“There were mistakes against West Bromwich Albion but there wasn’t (against Millwall).

“There’s 11 men on the pitch who defend as one, not just me and Derrick. I remember Benno putting in a great block during the game, Tosin’s come in and done really well.”

Lenihan made his 150th club appearance in the win at Ewood Park and chalked up an assist for Dack’s second half goal which allowed Rovers to breathe easier.

They restricted the opportunities of Millwall to hold on for a clean sheet, and the 25-year-old said: “It was a tough game and we knew what to expect from Millwall, who have been in good form.

“Getting the three points and a clean sheet means it’s a good weekend. We know you’ve always got to battle against Millwall, as it showed at their place last season when we won 2-0.

“We knew what to expect and I felt we dealt with them quite well.

“The first goal is huge. It gave us something to hold onto and if they got it then we’d have had to go chasing the game.

“Luckily we got the first goal and could have scored more than the two we did get with the chances we created towards the end of the game.”

Williams opened the scoring with a fine 25-yard strike, his second of the season.

While there may have been some surprise at the nature of his goal, Lenihan says it is something his defensive partner does work on.

He added: “Del’s been shooting every Friday with the lads and he tells us that he does have a shot in his locker.

“It’s a brilliant strike. He’s been in top form and hopefully that continues.”